Companies House IDV (Identity Verification) is one of the most important regulatory changes for UK companies in the last few years. It will happen in 2025. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) says that all company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and other relevant people must now legally prove their identity through Companies House.
This change is more than just a lot of paperwork; it’s part of a bigger plan for the UK to be more open, stop fraud, and build trust in the corporate register. If you’re a business owner, director, accountant, or Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), it’s now very important to know and follow the Companies House identity verification timeline.
What is the IDV for Companies House?
Companies House UK has set up a new mandatory identity verification system called Companies House IDV. People who work for UK companies must prove their identity before they can legally do certain things, like becoming a director, filing information, or starting a company.
The IDV rules come from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This law gave Companies House more power to make sure the information on the register is correct. The identity verification process is meant to: Verify that the people behind UK companies are who they say they are.
- Stop fake company formations
- Make it easier to find people and hold them responsible
Companies House verification is basically meant to make the register cleaner, stop crime, and make people feel better about doing business in the UK.
Companies House Identity Verification: When it Starts and How Long It Will Take
The launch of Companies House’s identity verification is happening in stages so that businesses can get used to it.
- Beta Phase (2024–2025): Companies House released the beta version of its IDV portal, which lets a small number of users test the system before it is available to everyone.
- In early 2025, IDV was made available for new company incorporations, ACSPs, and some directors.
- By the deadlines set out in the Companies House IDV timeline, existing company officers, PSCs, and agents will have to complete verification by the middle to the end of 2025.
- Expected in 2026: Not following the rules could lead to legal penalties, such as criminal charges and being taken off the register.
The deadlines will be different for you depending on your job and when you registered your business. For instance, new directors must prove their identity before they can be appointed, while current officers will have a certain amount of time after IDV launch to do so. It’s important to keep an eye on Companies House updates because IDV requirements may change during the transition period.
Who Has to Finish IDV?
A lot of people and groups will have to follow the new rules. Company directors, both current and new, must go through Companies House IDV.
- People with Significant Control (PSCs) are the people who own or run the business.
- If necessary, company secretaries.
- Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) are people like accountants, formation agents, and lawyers who work for clients.
- Anyone who files for a business, even agents who do so through a Companies House account.
Everyone has to go through the IDV process, either on their own or with the help of an ACSP. This is a legal duty for you, and you can’t give it to someone else without the right permission.
Self-Verification vs. ACSP Verification
There are two main ways to finish Companies House IDV:
1. Self-Verification (through the Companies House IDV Portal)
The official Companies House IDV portal lets people log in and prove who they are. This means:
- Log in to your Companies House account with your Companies House login
- Uploading documents that prove who you are
- Doing a biometric or facial recognition check
- Getting a unique IDV code after verification is successful
Pros:
- Directly and under your control
- Confirmation right away after approval
- Things to think about: You have to handle the process on your own
2. Checking By using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
You can also finish the process with an ACSP, like a reliable accountant or company formation agent who is registered with Companies House.
The ACSP checks your identity according to Companies House IDV rules and then tells Companies House that the check was successful. This route is best for people who aren’t as comfortable using online portals.
Pros:
- Help from an expert
- Less work for you to do as an administrator
- Things to think about: ACSP must have the right permissions
Both ways are legal. The route you choose will depend on how well you know technology and how your business is set up.
How to Do Your Own Companies House IDV in Steps
For those who want to verify themselves, here’s a clear, useful guide:
- Create an account with Companies House or log in.
Go to companieshouse.gov.uk and log in. Sign up with your email address if you don’t already have an account.
- Go to the Companies House IDV portal
After you log in, go to the section for verifying your identity.
- Fill out your personal information
Give your full name, date of birth, and other information that matches your official ID.
- Upload the documents you need
A valid UK passport, driving licence, or residence permit is usually what Companies House wants.
- Full facial recognition or biometric checks
Follow the on-screen directions to take a live picture that matches your document.
- Get your Companies House IDV code
This code will be linked to your profile and will prove that you are who you say you are.
- Make a note of your verification.
It might be necessary to do this when filing or later proving compliance.
Common Problems and Help
A lot of people have had problems with the Companies House IDV process. Here are some common problems and their fixes:
| Issue | Likely Cause | Suggested Solution |
| ID rejected | Blurry or invalid document | Re-upload a clear image of a valid document |
| Portal not loading | Browser or server issues | Clear cache, use a different browser, or try again later |
| Facial recognition failed | Poor lighting or mismatch | Retake the selfie in good lighting; ensure your face matches your ID photo |
| Verification delayed | High system volume | Wait for Companies House to process your application; check your Companies House account regularly |
You can call +44 744 026 8381 for help.
Why IDV is Important for UK Businesses in 2025
The Companies House IDV check is more than just a formality; it has big effects on businesses all over the UK.
- Following the law: If you don’t finish IDV, you might not be able to be a director, have your filings rejected, or even be charged with a crime.
- Fraud Prevention: Companies House can stop fake company formations, money laundering, and other financial crimes by making sure that people are who they say they are.
- Transparency: Investors, lenders, and the public are more likely to trust verified information.
- Operational Continuity: Finishing IDV early makes sure that routine filings, like annual accounts and confirmation statements, don’t get held up because of verification problems.
This is a very important compliance milestone for UK businesses, just like the introduction of Making Tax Digital or GDPR. Taking action early keeps problems from coming up at the last minute.
Summary of the Key Companies House IDV Rules and Guidance
- IDV must be done by every director, PSC, and other relevant person.
- New officers must check before they are appointed, but current officers have a grace period.
- There are two ways to verify yourself: through the portal or through an ACSP.
- Your IDV code is proof that you are following the rules, so keep it safe.
- Keep an eye on the Companies House identity verification timeline for any changes to the deadlines.
If you don’t follow the rules, you could face criminal charges and be taken off the list.
Don’t Put off your Verification:
The Companies House IDV process is a big change in how businesses are regulated in the UK. It is not up to you; it is the law that applies to almost all businesses and people who file corporate papers.
By doing your identity verification early, you make sure your business stays in compliance, protect your legal standing, and help make the UK business environment more open.
Need help figuring out how to use Companies House IDV?
Bloom Financials helps UK businesses with things like ACSP services, compliance advice, and managing their Companies House accounts.
To make sure your business stays fully compliant in 2025 and beyond, call us today at +44 744 026 8381 or email us at info@bloomfinancials.com.
